Who is responsible for establishing the evaluation team in a source selection process?

The source selection authority is responsible for establishing the evaluation team in a source selection process. This authority holds the overall responsibility for the source selection process, ensuring that it is conducted fairly and according to established policies and regulations. By appointing the evaluation team, the source selection authority is able to set the framework for how proposals will be assessed, ensuring that the team members possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to evaluate submissions effectively. This helps maintain the integrity of the selection process and assures that decisions are based on comprehensive and objective criteria.

In contrast, while the contracting officer and program manager play crucial roles in the procurement process, they do not explicitly have the responsibility for establishing the evaluation team. The source selection committee acts within the guidance of the source selection authority, so their role is more about executing the process rather than establishing it. This delineation of responsibilities is critical for ensuring clarity and accountability throughout the source selection process.